5. Your Child's Legal Educational Rights

We’ll help you to understand the U.S. federal legal framework and how to find your local state laws. We’ll teach you what certain acronyms stand for such as FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education), IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and we’ll help you understand the basics of IEPs (Individual Education Programs), 504 Plans, the SPED(Special Education) referral process and much more.

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Here's how to get started

Step 1

Know the law and your basic rights

Your child has the right to a free and appropriate public school education. It is very important to know your child's rights under state and federal law as well as understand your parental responsibilities in navigating the education system.

Step 2

Develop professional and positive relationships

As parents our communication and collaboration with school staff should be student-centered and focused on our child's needs. Outcomes are improved when stakeholders work together to find ways to meet the child's specific needs.

Step 4

Advocate effectively on behalf of your child

Effective advocacy involves doing your research, planning well and preparing yourself to be an active participant in the process. Parents can model these skills and work towards building strong self-advocacy skills in their own children.